Once you are in Manarola, be sure to take the time to do the Manarola Vineyard Walk – it will be an experience to remember. Just head to the top of town where the church is located and find the wooden railing that is only 20 yards below the church. This is the starting point for a beautiful walk through the vineyards that runs through the upper part of the city.

You will experience the beauty of lovely lemon trees and wild red valerian (a relative of the herb we use to make the drug Valium!). And don’t forget to take the time to smell the heavenly scent of rosemary as you walk the path.

Take note of the marvelous fine workmanship of the region’s famous dry stone walls that underpin the beautiful vineyards that are found throughout.

At this point, notice that the road takes on an S shape. This is where a river once ran through the city. Today, that old and ancient channel has been covered and turned into a road. But long ago, it provided a place to collect water, do laundry, and chat with the neighbors.

The Manarola Vineyard trail ends at a T-junction. Turning right, you come to the trail that leads to another of the Cinque Terre villages, Corniglia. If you decide to turn left at the T, you will begin your descent back into the main part of Manarola.

If you choose to return to the city, along the way you have the opportunity to make a short detour and visit the local cemetery. Why do you ask? For the view! It’s the best view of the sea and you’ll be glad you did. May we all rest in peace in such a beautiful area! The cemetery is located in Punto Bonfiglio, where you will find a park and a bar to rest and have a little snack.

A little more about the church: Today, it serves as a religious and community meeting place, but in older times, the bell tower was used as a post to look out for possible pirate raids. Legend has it that on stormy nights you could hear the bell ring. However, no one ever knew who was ringing the bell. But that’s not even the biggest mystery. The huge silver bell disappeared and no one has been able to figure that out and find an answer as to how it happened.

There is so much to do in the Cinque Terre, whether you love to hike, try new wines, or delve into the amazing fresh fish recipes each Cinque Terre town has to offer, it will be an enjoyable experience that you will never forget, but decide what you whatever you decide to do, make sure you always respect the locals. It is their home and they have invited the world to see and experience it.